Huawei highlights interoperable railway ICT systems in Qatar

Huawei demonstrated how GSM-R “4G Ready” networks can help build the next generation of railway in the Middle East at Qatar Rail Conference

GCC railways need to invest from day one in future-oriented technologies.

Huawei has stressed the crucial importance of deploying ‘Future-ready' GSM-R solutions to maximize safety while protecting long term investment in railway development as Qatar highlights its national transportation objectives and its focus on integrated railway projects outlined in its Vision 2030.

Railway infrastructure is set to play a significant role in Qatar's National Development Framework as the country aims to vastly improve its transportation services to better serve its economy and society. In addition to the Doha Metro and Lusail City Light Rail Transit, Qatar Rail envisages a long distance railway that will form part of the $200 billion GCC cross-border rail network, which will help to foster sustainable growth for the region's economy.

Huawei participated last week at the 1st International Conference on Railway Interoperability, Standardization and Harmonization in the Middle East, hosted by Qatar Rail, where it has demonstrated the effectiveness of its latest GSM-R technology. According to Huawei, tailored rail technology and communications solutions, such as GSM-R-LTE compatible networks, can help Middle East railway companies to build a ‘Future-Ready' international railway network. This rail technology will place passengers at the heart of GCC railway development by emphasizing safety and reliability as critical components of railway infrastructure.

Rabii Ouadi, Head of Business Development, Transportation Solutions at Huawei Enterprise, Middle East and North Africa commented: "The strategic importance of railway developments is rising across the GCC and Qatar Rail's network plays an important role in the region's infrastructure plans. The challenge in the region is that most of the railway networks are Greenfield projects. A long term vision needs GCC Railways to invest from day one in future-oriented technologies such as GSM-R ‘4G Ready' radio communication networks."

Huawei's GSM-R solution is a reliable and secure communications system, developed specifically to enable operational digital communication between train drivers and railway control dispatchers. It allows for railway signalling and operational communications to be interoperable between various railway companies and ensures the highest level of service quality at all times - even at the highest of train speeds. Delivering efficient transmission of voice and data communications, including train-control signalling based on European standard ETCS level 2, this solution enhances railway safety operations and fully complies with the EIRENE standards (European Integrated Radio Enhanced Network), while being ready for the future standard evolution thanks to its readiness for 4G-LTE.

Huawei has wealth of experience deploying its ICT solutions for Railways all around the world, including the Middle East. In the UAE, Huawei successfully deployed the mobile transmission network for the Dubai Metro Green Line, which allowed for its thousands of passengers to have access to mobile services across 18 of its metro stations. In 2012 Huawei was also chosen to work on the Etihad Rail project to provide communication network infrastructure with GSM-R, MSN (Multi-Service Networks) and a Masterclock.

Huawei has contracted more than 28,000 kilometres of GSM-R network worldwide and was selected for major projects in China, Australia, South Africa, Turkey, Russia, Morocco and the United Arab Emirates.